Pope Leo XIV has called to prevent Artificial Intelligence (AI) from being “another vehicle of ideological or economic colonialism” during a meeting at the Vatican with participants in the XVII Annual Meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network, held in Rome until August 23.
“The rapid development of artificial intelligence risks creating new forms of technological dependency, with poorer nations increasingly dependent on richer ones. We must remain alert to this, to prevent innovation from becoming another vehicle of ideological or economic colonialism,” the Pontiff stated.
According to ‘Vatican News’, Leo XIV recalled the need for legislation that safeguards human rights and freedoms, watching over the risk of subtle domination by richer nations. Thus, he proposed the social doctrine of the Church as the path to follow.
“The world does not need artificial intelligence that diminishes humanity, rather, it needs human intelligence enlightened by wisdom, political authority guided by conscience, and technological innovation guided by charity. Only then will artificial intelligence become not a rival to humanity, but a servant of the common good,” he pointed out.
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In the Pope’s view, “good legislation should foster scientific and technological creativity while safeguarding human rights and freedoms.” In this regard, he said that “it should protect users from exploitation, safeguard personal privacy, ensure transparency in the use of emerging technologies, and guarantee that these reinforce democratic institutions.”
It is therefore about identifying “adequate legal frameworks, independent oversight, user education, and a policy that does not abandon its mission.” Oversight at local, national, and international levels that ensures “no ideology or specific interest dictates the values embedded in artificial intelligence systems.”
Finally, he called to promote policies that strengthen marriage and families, support parents in their educational mission, and allow young people to “look to the future with confidence.”
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